Old-Fashioned Remedies for Sick Babies
Written by Ashley Hardway of
Many parents are shying away from excessive medications and
looking for more natural approaches to caring for their sick child. While
eschewing physician intervention for serious illness is inappropriate, there
are some all-natural, time-proven remedies for common baby complaints. Next
time you child has a sore throat, a deep cough, or a slight fever, consider
these old-fashioned remedies.
Take a Shower to Decongest
Humidifiers are a common device used for children with a cough but a more
effective remedy is to steam up the shower. By concentrating all the steam into
a single room, children can get all the benefits of breathing in the steam to
loosen the mucus in their chests without creating a mold concern in their
bedrooms.
Cut an Onion for a Clear Nose
The sulfur in onions is an all-natural way to draw mucus and fluids out of your
child's nose. When your baby has a stuffy nose, rather than reaching for stinky
methanol, simply cut an onion and wave it under your child's nose. This
alternative doesn't stain children's clothes or create a long-lasting stench in
their rooms.
Baking Soda for Bug Bites
Bug bites are a nasty side effect of long summer days outdoors and itching
those annoying scratches can lead to lifelong scarring. Reduce the redness and
itchiness by mixing baking powder with just enough water to make a paste and
apply that paste directly to the bite. The alkaline properties of the baking
soda will counteract the acidic properties of the bite, allowing kids to spend
their day itch-free.
Tepid Baths Fight Fever
The fevers are an altogether common occurrence for small children but they can
still be nerve-wracking for parents. For children with a slight fever, a tepid
(neither hot nor cold) bath can help alleviate the fever naturally. Lay your
child in the bath water then dry thoroughly.
Cayenne Pepper to Stop Nose Bleeds
Next time your child has a nose bleed, try this old-fashioned remedy. Simply
dab a Q-tip into cayenne pepper and ring the inside of your child's nose with
the spice. The heat will vasoconstrict the exposed vein and staunch the
bleeding. Surprisingly, the pepper won't even cause any discomfort or pain to
your child.
Calm Swelling with Cucumber
Cucumbers are more than just a spa treatment addition. Cucumbers are packed
with fluid and can help reduce swelling. Next time your child has a bug bite or
some slight facial swelling from a fall, place a cool cucumber over the swollen
area. Replace the cucumber as it returns to room temperature.
Treat with Salt Water
Salt water is a great way to reduce mucus build up and relieve sore throats.
Prepare a salt water solution and use a bulb to flush the mucus out of your
child's nose. For kids old enough to gargle, gargling salt water can ease the
pain and discomfort of a sore throat.
Lemon Compress for Sore Throats and Fever
Lemon is a great all-natural remedy for many illnesses. Lemon compresses can be
used to cool a fever or ease a sore throat. Simply warm a small bowl of water
with added lemon and wet a cloth. Apply the cloth to the forehead for a fever
or the throat for a sore throat.
Bio:
Always curious, Ashley
Hardway is constantly learning and passionate about sharing what she learns
with others. Based in the Houston, Texas office of Morningside Nannies, she
loves to help families grow stronger, help their environments and communities,
and keep moving forward! Check out @NannyLady on Twitter to connect and find out more.
Disclosure: 365daysofhealthandfitness and its contributors are not legally responsible for the content written herewith. For any questions or concerns with this entry, please contact the author.
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